Based on the wonderful writing prompts from Elizabeth’s writing craft class last night, I’m giving everyone a little homework today. Make a list. In fact, make a few, and add them to your story in progress. Don’t explain, just set the timer on your microwave or your watch for 10 minutes and try to finish two out of the three prompts below:
Write a list for a scene that takes place at the New Years Eve table during dinner or in the kitchen during preparations for the meal with two characters that are angry at each other but not addressing their conflict directly. You must include eight pieces of food, four resolutions, two broken promises and one lie.
What are the five things that frighten you the most? For example, death? Dismemberment? Illness? Write them down. Now, take five minutes and write down five images you associate with the five things that scare you.
Open a newspaper or a magazine to the fourth page of writing (no ads): make a list of the words that, when you count 1-2-3 etc, come every seven times. When you reach 50 words, go back and divide the list in two, and then assign these words to two opposing characters. Now write a few lines of dialogue between the two characters as they are both reaching for the last toy on the shelf.
Make these lists and gather the ingredients for tension and conflict and all the “stuff” to create a juicy story.